work over
verb
worked over; working over; works over
1
: to subject to thorough examination, study, or treatment
shelf stock worked over by shoppers
2
: to do over : rework
saved the play by working the first act over
3
: to beat up or manhandle with thoroughness
My boxing opponent worked me over in the ring.
Examples of work over in a Sentence
the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
Recent Examples on the Web
Crews are expected to work over the coming weeks to clear the wreckage and make way for the construction of a permanent memorial to the victims, a project slated to be completed in September 2027.
—
Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Fields might get the bulk of the starter’s work over the summer as Mahomes works his way back from knee surgery, but the best-case scenario leaves him on the bench for the regular season.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
According to a New York Times report, the 65-year-old actor prioritizied a trip to Ukraine for activist work over accepting his Academy Award (a representative for the actor declined Entertainment Weekly's request for comment).
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
Inside Their Acting Accolades Both Madigan and Harris have built extensive bodies of work over the course of their careers.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for work over
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Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Fields might get the bulk of the starter’s work over the summer as Mahomes works his way back from knee surgery, but the best-case scenario leaves him on the bench for the regular season.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
According to a New York Times report, the 65-year-old actor prioritizied a trip to Ukraine for activist work over accepting his Academy Award (a representative for the actor declined Entertainment Weekly's request for comment).
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
Inside Their Acting Accolades Both Madigan and Harris have built extensive bodies of work over the course of their careers.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for work over
Cite this Entry
“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20over. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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